Edinburgh Fringe 2016: The ten most highly anticipated shows

The Fringe will play host to most everything under the sun (and beyond) this month, where many performances tend to be as singular as the next. Boasting more than 3,000 shows across 300+ venues, here is a preview (in no particular order) of what has peaked interests and tickled fancies, though merely amounting to an iota of what the festival has to offer.

Attrape Moi, Assembly Hall

It might be a good idea to start with a wholesome extravaganza suitable for all ages. Presented by Flip FabriQue, a circus troupe hailing from Quebec (hint: also the nascent ground of Cirque du Soleil), performers deliver the latest in nouveau cirque through gravity-defying acrobatics, trampoline antics and never-before-seen displays of bold physicality.

Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival, Assembly Rooms

Anyone who’s been to the Fringe knows that it’s not just a spectator affair. With this new festival pushing the boundaries between art, entertainment and technology, patrons can now participate and interact in VR. Check out some of the most cutting edge technology from Samsung by immersing yourself in documentaries in the Virtual Reality Studio or paint a masterpiece in 3D space with Google’s Tilt Brush in the Tech Hub.

Two Man Show, Northern Stage at Summerhall

RashDash offers a spirited act where two women play two women playing two men, driving apart assumptions of gender and language. And when words fail, music and dance is employed to bridge understanding.

Anything that Gives Off Light, Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Anticipated in many circles, the latest from the notable The TEAM, in collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland, details the chance journey of a Scot and an American through their tour of the Highlands. Throughout their trip, the travellers engage in conversation and games that elicit the difference in collective consciousness of the two nations. It will be interesting to see where The TEAM’s collaborative writing ensemble takes this original piece, formed primarily on character-based improvisation.

In Fidelity, Traverse Theatre

In Fidelity, the idea of which was sparked by creator Rob Drummond’s fifteenth anniversary this year, is an investigation of love, monogamy and evolution. Is monogamy simply a romanticised notion or can it possibly be grounded in scientific theory? A theatrical experiment to suggest that it’s probably both, the show also incorporates a live on stage date.

Electric Eden, Pleasance Pop-Up: The Club

Not Too Tame calls on all outsiders, misfits and loners to stick it to the Man! But instead of protest signs and sit-ins, they’re thinking more along the lines of glow sticks and raving. What more could you expect from party theatre?

Wrecked, Assembly George Square Gardens

Join Sam mere moments after she’s just totalled a stolen car, trapped with no way out. Six audience members for each performance are placed directly in the demolished vehicle with Sam in the middle of George Square, where she imparts an emotionally engrossing site-specific piece.

Krapp 39, Pleasance Courtyard

From New York comes this off-Broadway hit, a daring take on Beckett’s existential piece, rewritten for the digital social media-crazed age. Expect lots of knowing smirks and referential reflections on the Irish playwright.

Here’s a freebie for those who didn’t plan well enough ahead. Burlesque babe Jeu Jeu la Foille interestingly commingles original spoken word with the tantalising musical work of Tom Waits to create an intoxicating, sultry spectacle.

Ada/Ava, Potterrow

A journey through life and death depicted with the use of shadow puppetry, actors, projectors and live music, Ada/Ava follows the story of an aged woman mourning the loss of her twin sister. Manual Cinema adroitly wields a technical sophistication to explore themes of the fantastic, bereavement and identity.

Frances Lai

The Edinburgh Fringe is on from 5th until 29th August 2016, follow our coverage here.